Glasgow Science Centre

A Spark of Science

Science EN ↓ 269 episodes

Join us for this two-minute podcast where we explore a different scientific concept each week. Did you know that a Scottish mountain helped measure the weight of the Earth, or that octopuses are amazing escape artists? Discover what it was like for cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to be the first to launch into space and listen to some inspiring stories from people working in science today. What else will you discover with a Spark of Science? Get in touch on twitter @gsc1 or visit https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/the-spark-magazine

Author

Glasgow Science Centre

Category

Science

Latest episode

Sep 15, 2025

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

194: How do bats see in the dark? 08.04.2024

What is echolocation? And how do animals use it? Join us this week as we find out how bats explore the world around them.

193: Music in Space 01.04.2024

Music has been an important part of our lives for thousands of years. So important that we've even taken it to space with us! In this episode, learn about musical moments from space history.

192: Colossus Penguins 25.03.2024

Once upon a time, when giant penguins walked the earth... no, really! Tune in to this week's episode, all about the ancient Colossus penguin.

191: What is a lightyear? - British Science Week 18.03.2024

It's British Science Week! In this episode, we're going back in time.... sort of. Join us to find out what a lightyear really is.

190: Scottish Wildcats 11.03.2024

To celebrate World Wildlife Day, we're looking at an iconic predator - the Scottish Wildcat. Join us to learn about these amazing animals and what we're doing to help them.

189: Nature's Engineers - Beavers 04.03.2024

What do beaver dams actually do? In this week's episode, discover how beavers play an important role in our ecosystems.

188: Why is snot helpful? 26.02.2024

Why do we sneeze? And why does the stuff in our tissues turn that colour? Find out in this week's episode!

187: Wearing your school uniform is good for you 19.02.2024

In this episode, learn about how the clothes you wear can change your mood and focus. Maybe there's a benefit to that school uniform after all!

186: Why do dogs pee on everything? 12.02.2024

Let's explore canine communication. Why do dogs have to pee so much? And why is it an important part of their social lives?

185: Gemstones 05.02.2024

Have you ever wondered what makes a gemstone different from a plain old rock? Find out as we explore this hidden world of jewels.

184: Vitamin C and Scurvy 29.01.2024

You might have heard that sailors used to get scurvy. But what causes scurvy, and what does broccoli have to do with it? Find out in this week's episode!

183: Mars Sample Return Mission 22.01.2024

Nothing we have sent to Mars has ever come back. Is this something that may happen soon? Join us to find out more about the Mars space missions!

182: Dinosaur Footprints 15.01.2024

Were there dinosaurs in Scotland? What are trace fossils, and why are they important? Listen to this week's episode to find out!

181: What is Precipitation? 08.01.2024

Rain, snow, sleet - we're used to wet weather in Scotland. How can water fall from the sky in so many different ways? Join us as we explore the science behind precipitation.

180: Winter Solstice 01.01.2024

Join us as we explore the science of the Winter Solstice! What is it? When is it? And how does it happen? Find out in this weeks seasonal episode!

179: How do polar bears stay warm? 25.12.2023

How do polar bears manage to stay warm in such cold climates? Join us as we explore the wonders of their insulating fur and blubber!

178: Space Toilets 18.12.2023

Let's explore the fascinating world of space toilets! Join us as we find out how engineering and recycling helps astronauts stay clean and hydrated onboard the International Space Station.

177: Smart Bandages 11.12.2023

Discover how researchers are using light and wireless charging in smart bandages to stop bacteria growing in wounds! Join us for this special edition with Dr. Mahmoud Wagih from the University of Glasgow's School of Engineering.

176: Red Planet Day 04.12.2023

In this episode, we're celebrating one of our planetary neighbours, Mars! Discover why it's red, how it homes the tallest mountain in the solar system, and why we think Mars may once have hosted life.

175: Archive episode - The Perihelion Prize 27.11.2023

Did you know that the Northern hemisphere has 4 days less of winter than the Southern hemisphere? Join us as we take a trip around the sun and explore the perihelion.

174: Archive episode - The colours of Autumn 20.11.2023

The beautiful colours of autumn is the topic of todays episode. Why do trees change the colour of their leaves and how does this help protect the tree throughout winter.

173: Is all radiation bad? 13.11.2023

Radiation may sound scary but it has lots of good uses which help us in our everyday lives. Listen in to this weeks episode to find out!

172: Animals have dreams too 06.11.2023

What are dreams? Do animals dream? Research suggests that even spiders dream! Join us in this weeks episode to find out more.

171: Fascinating Fusion 30.10.2023

What's the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission? Could we be using nuclear fusion to provide our energy in the future? Find out in this weeks episode!

170: What is a scab? 23.10.2023

In this episode, learn how our amazing bodies work to protect wounds with the help of the mighty scab!

Listen to the A Spark of Science podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.